successes, forcing the Arabs to raise their siege of Cephaloedium, and inflicted several defeats upon their forces. His forces, however, were insufficient to evict the Arabs altogether from their holdings in the western part of the island, and in late 838 he suffered a defeat at the hands of fresh Arab reinforcements. At the same time, Alexios's betrothed Maria died, age four, and his connection to Theophilos became tenuous. He was also accused by some Sicilians of colluding with the Arabs and planning to become emperor himself. To avoid forcing his Caesar into a corner, Theophilos sent Theodore Crithinus, Archbishop of Syracuse, to recall him under guarantees of personal safety. Nevertheless, upon his arrival in the capital, Alexios was stripped of his titles, beaten, and imprisoned. Theodore Crithinus publicly confronted the emperor for his breach of his word at the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae, but the enraged Theophilos had him beaten and exiled as well. Soon, however, the Patriarch John the Grammarian too publicly berated Theophilos. The emperor relented, released both Theodore and Alexios, and restored the latter to his rank and property. His relations with the emperor, however, cooled considerably, particularly after the death of Maria and the birth, in 840, of Theophilos's son, Michael III (r. 842–867). By 842, Mosele had retired to a monastery at the quarter of ta Anthemiou in Chrysopolis, which he himself had founded. Nothing is known of him thereafter. References Sources 9th-century Byzantine people Byzantine generals Byzantine people of Armenian descent Caesars (heirs apparent) Heirs apparent who never acceded Patricii Phrygian dynasty Byzantine people of the Arab–Byzantine wars Byzantine governors of Sicily Magistroi People of the Muslim conquest of Sicily Founders of Christian monasteries